Chapter 4

ALESSIA

“I-" My words caught in my throat. 

The excuse I had rehearsed evaporated the moment Max cut the distance between us.

“Answer me. Are you pregnant?”

I shook my head, forcing the words out. “No. Of course not.” My chest tightened as I fumbled for something believable. “I… I have a cramp.”

He frowned, suspicion flickering in his eyes.

“Yes, Max,” I said quickly, trying to steady my voice. “I’m on my period right now. That potion… It’s not just for pregnant women. It helps the womb in general. I drank it to ease the pain.”

Relief washed over his face, so intense it almost made my stomach ache. 

“So you’re not pregnant…” he murmured, exhaling shakily. “What was I thinking…” He set the carved wooden box down, the tension leaving his shoulders.

“Don’t worry. That won’t happen,” I forced a smile, the words tasting hollow even to my own ears.

Then Clementine’s voice drifted from the doorway.

“Max?” 

Clementine’s voice drifted from the doorway before she even stepped inside. 

“I’ve been looking everywhere for you… Oh—” Her gaze swept the room, pausing just long enough to seem awe-struck. “This… this room is perfect..." she said. 

She tugged at his arm, all innocence and sweet charm. “I want it. Would you give it to me?"

“Clementine—”

“Please, just this once,” Clementine pleaded again, tears shimmering at the edges of her eyes.

Max hesitated.

But I spoke quickly, “No.”

They both turned to look at me, surprise and disbelief etched across their faces.

“What are you doing, Alessia?” Clementine asked, green eyes narrowing, a frown tugging at her perfect lips.

“I said no,” I said, holding my ground. “This room is mine. You can’t have it.”

Before Clementine could speak,

“Give it to her,” Max said, his eyes locked on me. “There are plenty of other rooms in this house. Let Clementine have this one.”

Clementine’s triumphant smile said everything.

I swallowed hard, the words of protest dying in my throat. 

“Thank you so much!” Clementine squealed, throwing herself at him.

My throat is tight, my hands clenching at my sides.  

I turned away.

-----

I never thought there would be a day I’d be replaced in my own home by a stranger. But here I was—kicked from my room and forced to retreat to the guest room at the far end of the first-floor corridor.

Four days had passed since Clementine moved in, and I barely recognized the house anymore. She claimed a seat at every meal, her laughter echoing through the halls and library, leaving no corner untouched by her presence. Outside, the roses I had planted were gone, cut down on her order the moment she learned they were mine. As if simply knowing they mattered to me was reason enough to erase them.

Every piece of furniture had been replaced to suit her tastes. Even Max’s study—the one place no one had ever dared enter—had been completely overhauled, transformed entirely to reflect her whims.

And every day, I felt myself fading from the household. 

I deliberately avoided Clementine, taking my meals only after everyone else had finished. 

Today was no different. 

I waited until the kitchen was empty, then filled my water bottle and prepared to spend the day locked up in my new room.

But just as I returned and reached for the doorknob, Nina—one of the Omegas—slid out from inside my room.

“Nina?” I frowned, stepping forward. “You should ask permission before entering.” 

My eyes flicked to her hands. “And that—my blanket! Why are you taking it?”

She ignored me completely, shoving past.

I planted myself in front of her. “Give it back.”

“Step aside, Alessia." Her voice hardened as she shoved me aside.

“How could you speak my name like that? I’m still your Luna. The least you could do is show some respect.”

“Luna?” she sneered, sharp and venomous. “Not anymore. You’re worthless to us now. We don’t care about you."

The door swung open again, and Clementine stepped out, her smile sweet and predatory all at once.

“Oh, Hi Alessia,” she purred, voice dripping with false sweetness.

“What are you doing here?” I asked, voice tight.

“I’ve got what I was looking for. No need to make a scene,” she said, waving her hand casually.

It took me a moment to register what she meant—my blanket.

“That perfect blanket I saw on the bed before I moved to that room… it disappeared,” she said, smirking. “At first, I didn’t think you’d stolen it. But you did. I’m taking it back now.”

“Steal?” Rage flared through me. “That was mine! My late mother knitted it for me. You’re the one who took it.”

Clementine sneered, tossing her hair. 

“I don’t care who made it. I want it. And you’re going to hand it over… unless you want Max to hear about your pathetic tantrum and.”

Before I could react, she snatched the blanket from Nina’s hands, sliding it toward herself.

“Give it back!” I lunged, grabbing her wrist, fury blazing in my chest.

“Alessia, are you crazy?!” she cried, struggling. "Let go of me!"

“No,” I said firmly, planting my feet. “You’re the crazy one. Take whatever you like, I don’t care—but this, you will not touch.”

“Oh, you wish,” Clementine hissed, eyes narrowing with venom.

She signaled Nina to grab me, but I had already anticipated it and sidestepped with ease.

When Clementine’s attention wavered for even a second, I yanked the blanket from her hands.

“You bitch!” she shrieked, claws raking across my hand.

I held firm. 

Clementine stumbled backward toward a wooden table, catching herself with her hands.

"How dare you strike Lady Clementine!” Nina screamed.

Clementine suddenly froze, her eyes widening dramatically as they flicked past me. Then, before I could react, she lurched forward.

Her hand shot out and shoved me hard.

I lost my balance.

My back hit the wall behind me, and the back of my head slammed against it with a sickening crack. Pain exploded through my skull, sharp and blinding. The room tilted violently as I struggled to stay upright.

But Clementine was already moving.

She staggered back toward the table again, clutching her stomach as if the slightest movement hurt her.

“I–It hurts!" she cried, her voice trembling just enough to sound convincing. “My stomach hurt!”

“Oh no!” Nina shouted, rushing to her side “Alpha, she shoved Lady Clementine!” Panic laced her voice—but I saw through it. 

Every movement, every cry, was staged.

I turned slowly—and froze. 

Max’s was there. 

“Clementine!” He rushed past me and dropped to her side. “Are you alright?”

Not even a glance in my direction.

His voice—full of worry—was the last thing I heard before my vision faded into darkness.